Deluxe, in a Woodsy Way

“Big Sur is the California that men dreamed of years ago, this is the Pacific that Balboa looked at from the Peak of Darien, this is the face of the earth as the Creator intended it to look”— Henry Miller (1891-1980)

Our 2006/2007 Christmas/New Year’s vacation took us to San Francisco, and a daytrip to Big Sur, as well. For overnight accommodations we selected the Post Ranch Inn.

What a treat, from the moment we drove on the grounds until check out, our time spent here was deluxe, in a woodsy fashion.

Without a doubt the selling point of the Post Ranch Inn is its location. Situated on the mountain’s edge, overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east, this is a stunning setting!

And nowhere is the setting more dramatic than at Sierra Mar, the Inn’s restaurant. Built into the mountain’s side nothing comes between you and the Pacific expect plate glass windows! If you visit Big Sur but the rooms at the Post Ranch Inn are out of your reach make reservations at Sierra Mar. The food and the view are memorable.

Great attention has been paid to integrating the cabins into the environment. The roofs of the ocean front cabins have been planted with flowers and shrubs to blend in with the landscaping, which includes many rosemary bushes (see photo #4). All rooms are named for friends and members of the Post family, who once owned a ranch here; now, 90 acres of it have become the Inn.

Ours was the Meyrose Room, with mountain views (see photo #5). It’s one of the least expensive rooms at a cost of $900, with tax, for one night. The room’s privacy and isolation were welcome after a day of hiking in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. The king-sized bed had very a comfortable mattress. A leather sofa sat in front of the fireplace, that was stacked with wood, and more was in the bucket beside the hearth. No television in the room but there was a satellite radio. A deck with chairs stretched the width of the room and bathroom, which had a deep tub for soaking. You can wrap yourself in one of the plush robes following your bath. All food and drink in the mini-bar are free.

For even a city dweller the Inn’s hiking trails are easy. Enjoy the Boundary Trail; you will walk through redwood forests and across open meadows on this route.

I spent there two nights recently. The hotel is located in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. If you are going from LA the last part of the road is a bit difficult but nevertheless it was beautiful and pretty impressive. Once you arrived at the hotel there is nothing else you have to worry about. The rooms were great, very spacious, well decorated and with everything you need totally complementary. The service was 10/10. Sometimes you may find the staff a bit way to dedicated to the customers but.....WHAT A PROBLEM!!!! The hotel has 2 outside warm infinity pools and another cold pool. The breakfast was excellent and in case the food there is not good enough (they have their own farm and everything is organic) you woill find an excellent dinner restaurant called La Ventana just opposite to the hotel entrance.

A place that I would recommend to anyone who can afford it. BEAUTIFULL